How to Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHGs) Emissions With Refrigerant Gas Tracking By Daniel Stouffer

Carbon emissions reporting, measured as both direct and indirect emissions, requires detailed tracking, maintenance carbon emitting systems, and record keeping of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) sources. Direct carbon emission refers to the energy each individual consumes in the form of fossil fuels and electricity that we use for transportation, heating, cooling and lighting.

Carbon (CO2) Emissions Reporting: It's the law.

In many countries, carbon emissions are required by law to be reported across an organization's entire footprint; hence the common term now in widespread use Carbon Footprinting. Carbon data and detailed records of energy, fuel, and refrigerant gas consumption fall under regulatory compliance rules and must be reported in paper, and increasingly, electronic format.

Similar forms of mandatory monitoring, tracking, and reporting of air, water and soil pollutants fall under the Montreal Protocol (refrigerants gases), The U.S. Clean Air Act (many pollutants), and The Kyoto Protocol (6 GHG gases).

EPA and State Regulatory Compliance

Air, water and soil pollutants resulting from emissions that go beyond the property line or are in excess of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or state compliance regulations must be reported in order to maintain a safe and healthy environments. In addition, there is a very high likelihood that the United States will follow suite with many other countries to mandate economy wide carbon emission reporting. Submission of carbon emissions reports help identify main sources of GHG (greenhouse gases) and track the volume emitted into the atmosphere so that these volumes may be ratcheted down over time.

HCFC Refrigerants -- The cause of depleted Ozone and increases of GHG emissions.

This is the main basis and high-level background for carbon emissions reporting. Refrigerants gases add higher levels of carbon into the air due to the composition CFCs and HCFCs. The refrigerants used in commercial heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) or regular air conditioning (AC) units include Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and perfluorocarbon (PFC).

Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are a collection of commonly used refrigerant and aerosol gasses with a wide variety of other commercial applications. The common Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in use today are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These substances are organic compounds which consist of clorine, fluorine, carbon and hydrogen and are controlled under the rules set forth in Section 608 of the US Clean Air Act.

The U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documented that increased GHG emissions is the result of misuse of HCFC refrigerants. As a result of conclusion, the EPA has implemented protocols requiring owner or operators of refrigerant systems to accurately track their refrigerant usage. Refrigerants, referenced as fugitive emissions, make up one of the four main scopes of carbon emissions.

Carbon Emissions Protocols - Get to know these intimately (scope by scope).

The Climate Registry Protocol was written in preparation of mandatory monitoring and tracking or mobile (vehicle emissions), stationary (electricity production), and fugitive emissions (refrigerant gases). These possible sources of emissions are defined below as noted in The Climate Registry, the ISO standards, the EPA protocols, and the World Resource Institute requirements.

Mobile emissions are those which emanate from transport vehicles. Most commonly, these are emissions from the combustion of fuels in transportation sources and emissions from non-road equipment such as equipment used in construction, agriculture, and forestry.

Stationary emissions are those which come from a regular source but do not disperse over greater areas, rather remaining in concentrations in the specific source area. These are emissions from the combustion of fuels to produce electricity, steam, heat, or power using in a fixed location.

Fugitive emissions are those which may occur as a result of inefficient control equipment or control equipment that is obsolete. Examples include releases of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) from electrical equipment, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) releases during the use of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, process equipment leaks, etc.

The EPA, ISO, World Resource Institute, and Climate Registry all have reporting protocols which outline, in a systematic way methods for collecting, calculating, and reporting carbon emissions. All protocols are available. There is not a single reporting protocol as of early 2009. The current carbon emission protocols being drafted, reviewed, and supported by businesses and various government agencies all dictate detailed reporting requirements. EPA rules put in place mandatory CO2 emissions reporting regulations. Companies must spend time getting to know the protocols to remain in compliance.

Critical Heads Up - Companies are facing a mind-bending challenge. They must understand the protocols, organize, collect, and report Greenhouse Gas emissions across their entire organization or face extra financial burden.

Where refrigerant gases prevail heavily in multiple sources, refrigerant reporting as well as refrigerant tracking will lead to a better phasing in of mandatory carbon reporting. Legal carbon emissions reporting pave the way for lasting reductions in carbon emissions and improved management of company assets. Measure reduction in CO2 emissions. The goal to keep focused upon is a cleaner environment through reduced use of harmful refrigerants and more efficiently managed companies.

To learn more effective refrigerant management tactics and the tools that support them, you can contact Daniel Stouffer, the Product Manager for Refrigerant Tracker. This web-based software makes it easy to monitor, manage, and report refrigerant gas usage. Stay in compliance with refrigerant management regulations. Visit Verisae's http://www.Refrigerant-Tracker.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Stouffer

Natural Gas, Fuel to Drive the Future By Patrick Bette

Abstract
Society's growing interest in alternative fuels is paving the way for emerging and existing technologies. Compressed natural gas is not a new technology, but it is rapidly growing more popular. The recent drive for green products combined with high oil prices and worries about oil dependence makes NG an ideal solution. Natural gas has been in use in vehicles for decades, but it hasn't been used as much in the private sector until recently.

Environmental Benefits of NG
One of the greatest benefits of natural gas over other fuels is its lower emissions. To date, natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are the only vehicles to meet two of California's emissions standards. The California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard-a strict limit developed to help deal with chronic ozone non-attainment problems in many regions of that state. No other fuel has achieved this level of certified emission performance. In addition, NGVs are the only vehicles certified to EPA's Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) standard- applied to vehicles which demonstrate tight control on evaporative hydrocarbon emissions. Compared to Gasoline and Diesel, natural gas vehicles offer the following.

Gasoline
• Ozone-Reduced tailpipe emission of ozone precursors (NOx and NMHC)
On a g/mile basis, average reductions in NOx of 66 percent and 85 percent for NMHC emissions.
• Carbon monoxide-In normal driving conditions, at least 50 percent reduction in
CO emissions and potential for 80-95 percent reductions under conditions like cold temperatures and acceleration.
• Sulfur Dioxide-Reductions of 90 percent or greater in SO2 emissions.
• Other gasses associated with global warming-At least 20 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions of
global warming gases.
• Air Toxins-Reductions in air toxic emissions of over 85 percent. Elimination of 1,3
butadiene emissions.

Diesel
• Ozone- Reductions in tailpipe emission of the ozone precursor NOx by 50 percent or
more.
• Particulate Matter- Reductions in emission of PM on the order of 50-75 percent.
• Sulfur Dioxide-Reductions of 90 percent or
greater in SO2 emissions.

The environmental benefits alone are enough to make natural gas a sought after fuel. With tailpipe emissions of greater than 20% over gasoline natural gas is a significant improvement.

Availability and Infrastructure
Another strength of NG is domestic availability and already established infrastructure. The Energy Information Administration estimates there is over 1,100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas currently domestically available. Currently there is a lot of concern over the US importing too much of its oil, leading to foreign dependence. By using more natural gas it could cut down importing of oil. Currently it is estimated that around 2,500 million cubic feet of natural gas is used for vehicle fuel per month. There has been a steady rise in natural gas use in vehicles over the past few years. As of 2005 there was 213,000 miles of natural gas pipeline in use in the US. The US natural gas infrastructure already spans most of the country. Many homes have access to natural gas for heating use. With widespread availability it is already possible for natural gas fueling stations to become more abundant both at gas stations and in private homes.

Financial Incentives
Both the US federal government and some state governments are using tax cuts and financial incentives to make natural gas vehicles more appealing. The Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit from the IRS provides a refund of $0.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) of natural gas. The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit provides both gas stations and residential houses a tax incentive of up to 30% of the total cost of installing a refueling system. Many states have their own incentives for alternative fuel use. New York has a few incentives, but none that apply directly to the average consumer. On the other hand, Utah has incentives like covering 50% of the cost to convert a vehicle to an aftermarket alternative fuel system.

Closing
With the government putting large amounts of money into national infrastructure and tax incentives, the time has never been better to invest in alternative fuels. Everyday more gas stations are offering compressed natural gas, or companies are expanding their pipelines to reach more residential areas.

http://www.aftermarketcng.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Bette

Gas Saving Devices You Should Avoid and Why By Gregg Hall

Most gas saving devices available in the market may actually save gas but on the other hand may adversely affect the quality of gas emission. The EPA describes these devices as below: "Indicated a very small improvement in fuel economy but with an increase in exhaust emissions. According to Federal regulations, installation of this device could be considered illegal tampering"

Let's now look at a set of products that you should ideally stay away from.

Fuel-Max

In June 1981, EPA tested this device manufactured by Fuel Injection Development Corporation. This is an air bleed device. The EPA test results showed a mere increase in mileage in the range of 1.6% to 4.0%. Although the product showed decrease in carbon monoxide emission and also considerable reduction in hydro-carbon generation, it showed substantial increase in the emission of Nitrogen Oxide, which eventually brought the product down.

Waag-Injection System

In Waag Injection system a reservoir of a 50% mixture of water and alcohol is used in the combustion chamber. The EPA conclusions are as follows:

"In summary, throughout all three phases of the test work reported on the W/A Waag-Injection system, significant increases were found in fuel economy; however corresponding increases were found in regulated emissions, both as measured from the vehicles manufacturer's specifications.

It should be noted that although the fuel economy increases observed were statistically significant under controlled laboratory conditions, the magnitudes of these increases were small. The magnitudes of the corresponding and also statistically significant increases in regulated emissions were larger and require further development to eliminate."

ACDS Automotive Cylinder Deactivation System

Finally, the ACDS Automotive Cylinder Deactivation System was meant to deactivate 4 of the 8 cylinders in an eight cylinder engine. It was tested by the EPA in 1981. The EPA conclusions are as follows:

1. "The operation of a vehicle on four cylinders through the use of the ACDS hardware did cause a substantial increase in vehicle emissions to levels exceeding the applicable 1979 standards. Co-emissions were typically increased several times to levels near or above the standards.

2. NOx emissions were typically twice the standard. These emissions violate the tampering provisions of the Clean Air Act."

3. "The operation of a vehicle on 4 cylinders through the use of ACDS hardware did improve fuel economy 5 to 16% for FTP and 3 to 20% for HFET for those 8 cylinder vehicles tested, but with the associated emission increases described above."

4. "The vehicles had poor drivability when using the ACDS to operate on 4 cylinders.

5. Vehicle acceleration times were substantially increased when the vehicles were operated with 4 cylinders using ACDS. The acceleration times were typically double the comparable times for 8 cylinder operation.

6. The operation of a vehicle on 4 cylinders cause a serious loss of breaking power assistance under some driving conditions.

The EPA website provides comprehensive information on what product to use and what not. It is important that as a consumer you do not get fooled by the long drawn testimonials that all promotional material include.

Gregg Hall is an author living on the Emerald Coast of Florida. Now that you know a little more about gas saving devices be sure that you get gas saving products by going to http://www.nsearch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

How You Can Help Save The Environment By Maintaining You Car Properly By Gregg Hall

With fears of global warming, the care of our environment is continually becoming more of a concern for all. Vehicle owners are no exception, and in all actuality have more to consider than those without a vehicle. Controlling what goes into your vehicle and what comes out, and how much goes in and out, comes with the responsibility of owning a vehicle.

Basic vehicle maintenance will help the overall well being of your car, but will also help the environment. Maintenance on your vehicle should not be done just when the "Check Engine" light appears. Maintenance follows three timelines: one-time only, several times a year and regularly. Upon ownership of your vehicle, make the one-time purchase of a high quality gas cap and make a one time read through the vehicle's owner manual. Although you probably have more exciting things to do then read a manual, it will be worth your time. Mark the pages that you might find helpful in the future. If you are purchasing a previously owned car and the manual is not with the car, many manuals can be found on the Internet.

Talk with your general maintenance person, such as the person who typically changes your oil. Do they have any maintenance schedule suggestions as to what should be done when? Creating a maintenance schedule and keeping track of everything you have had done on your vehicle is good for solving future problems or will possibly help increase the value of your car if you plan on selling it.

Included in this schedule should be: oil, transmission fluid and radiator coolant checks and changes, air conditioner checks, fuel, air and oil filter checks and changes, and finally, belt and hose checks.

Depending on your tire quality, check your tire PSI often. Tires with low inflation are dangerous, but also require your car to use more fuel.

Many places in the U.S. require emission testing for your vehicle. The discovery of a failing emissions system can mean a decreased fuel efficiency of up to 7 percent. Keep two things in mind about your vehicle's emission. First, it is illegal to take out or damage any part of the emission system in your vehicle. Be cautious when making muffler enhancements on your vehicle as this could potentially affect the main emissions system. Second, catalytic converters have laws pertaining to the warranty, mileage and year of vehicle. Be sure you and your mechanic abide to these laws when making repairs or replacements.

Contact the EPA if you have questions about these laws. The person running your emissions test should also be able to assist you with questions pertaining to your vehicle's emission system.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as a paint protection systems at http://www.stopwaxing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

Catalytic Converters and Your Vehicle's Emission System By Matthew Keegan

Before 1975 no U.S. vehicle came equipped with a catalytic converter. Changes in environmental policy -- started with the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] by the Nixon Administration - soon changed all of that.

Now, with very few exceptions, all vehicles must come outfitted with a catalytic converter. So, what does it do exactly? Good question...we will answer that query in this article.

When your engine burns fuel it produces gases that are harmful to the environment. If not handled properly, these same gases will exit through your vehicle's exhaust and work to do harm on the environment. The EPA, which was established in 1970, mandated that starting in 1975 vehicles were to come equipped with an apparatus to reduce dangerous emissions. The particular piece of equipment created to accomplish this task was the catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter in your vehicle is installed in the exhaust line between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. Pellets inside the converter work to transform detrimental gases into harmless gases before they exit the tailpipe and go out into the open air. As you might guess, a properly functioning catalytic converter is essential toward preserving air quality standards.

There are four telltale signs that indicate a catalytic converter will soon fail:

· Rusted or broken converter body or end tubes.

· Bits of substrate in other sections of the exhaust system.

· No rattle detected in a pellitized converter (If the converter doesn't rattle, the pellets may have melted together or fallen out).

· A rattle detected in a monolithic converter (A rattle in this kind of converter indicates the substrate has separated.)

If you see evidence of any of these signs, then you must replace your catalytic converter right away. If you don't, you risk receiving a ticket from a police officer and you may automatically fail your next motor vehicle inspection.

You can install a new catalytic converter yourself and save money on parts and labor. Shop online for the best deals going.

Copyright 2008-2012 - For additional information regarding Matthew C. Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his automotive site for cutting edge car information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Passing Automotive Emission Testing By Jerry Lemke

Do you live in an area where you car has to meet inspection requirements? Normally your vehicle will also have to pass emissions requirements. This article will help explain what emissions are, and how to fix a possible problem your vehicle may have.

Emissions are simply the exhaust or leftovers of combustion coming out of your vehicle's engine. An emissions test is normally done with a probe placed into the exhaust tailpipe. The emission sampler will "sniff" or sample the contents of the exhaust coming out of the tailpipe. Every road going vehicle produced, has certain clean requirements that it is required to meet. This requirement is specified by EPA to limit the amount of pollutants exiting the vehicle.

Most emission samplers are five gas analyzers. That means they "see" or measure five types of gases. The five gases that will be measured are HC, NOX, O2, CO, and CO2. We will start with HC or hydrocarbons. HC's are simply another term for unburned fuel that makes it through the engine and out the exhaust. HC's cause smog and and are not good to breath. NOX means oxides of Nitrogen. NOX is a by product of highly heated and compressed air that has nitrogen in it. NOX is another bad emission to breath at high levels. O2 is leftover unburned oxygen in the exhaust. Although O2 is obviously not bad, it is tested for to look for people trying to cheat the test.

The percentage of oxygen in the exhaust will also tell the fuel ratio of the engine as it runs. CO and CO2 is carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. CO is odorless and will give you headaches and eventually kill you by robbing O2 from your body, if in high quantities. CO2 is present in the air but large amounts contribute to global warming. Before doing any emission test the check engine soon light, should never light up or it will cause the car to fail. HC's are usually the worst problem for cars that will have to pass the test.

Many things can produce high HC's such as too much or even too little fuel, not all cylinders firing, advanced timing, bad catalytic converter, or an air pump that isn't working. These are the most common causes. Tune up's can prevent most emission problems. NOX is generally worse on higher compression engines. All engines produce NOX but the use of EGR valves will cool and slow down the burn rate of the engine's combustion. This considerably lowers NOX values.

O2 levels are controlled by the fuel ratio being correct from the fuel injection. If there is an exhaust leak all the test numbers will be low and incorrect except the high O2 numbers which will void the test. CO has to do with the efficiency of the burn in the engine and also is highly effected by the fuel to air ratio of the engine. CO2 is also an indicator of the engines set up. The HC's and NOX are by far the largest problem areas. Catalytic converters scrub or clean the majority of the emissions and need to be replaced when they break internally causing a loss in power and no longer clean the air.

Jerry Lemke is the webmaster at http://www.freeengineinfo.com A site focused on engine information for repair, troubleshooting, performance, upgrades, and new technologies for all types of vehicles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Lemke

Vehicle Emissions By Dave Brummet and Lillian Brummet

All over the world people are experiencing air quality changes due to vehicle emissions. Particularly in the peak of summer, cities have worsening air quality to the point where it has become "normal" to hear air quality warnings. In Pakistan, vehicle emissions are responsible for nearly 90% of their air pollution. That is no wonder when you consider that 500 mature trees are needed to combat the emissions for every 20,000 km driven. There are currently more than 220 million registered automobiles in the U.S. alone and 1/3 of the average American city's land is devoted to serving the car.

According to the National Transportation Board, congestion will increase by 5.6 billion hours in the period between 1995 and 2015, wasting 7.3 million gallons of fuel unnecessarily. The Highway Users Alliance feels the solution to the congestion problem would be to build more roads. Others feel that providing safe pedestrian and bike paths and improving public transit should be considered. Tollbooths are sometimes used as a powerful persuader for alternative transit and car-pooling. In San Francisco, where vehicles containing three commuters do not have to pay toll fees, people now meet in parking lots in order to fill cars for the ride into the city. It may seem obvious, but few of us recognize that car-pooling reduces emissions by 50% with only two participants (one driver/one passenger).

Because of growing scientific evidence, vehicle manufacturers are rising to meet the consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products. Toyota and Ford, for instance, have incorporated hybrid electricity and hydrogen fuel cell technology in vehicles. Solar powered cars have also been released on the market. Sadly, though, few of these are within the average home's budget. Bio-diesel buses are also being introduced in many communities. These are powered by fuel attained from sewage plants or other bio-masses. Another encouraging thought is that individuals and organizations have convinced the government of the legitimacy of their concerns. In response a 'Memorandum of Understanding' was issued to manufacturers in 2001. It urges voluntary compliance to reduce emissions by 75%, to be fully implemented in 2006.

Disposability is another issue for vehicles, but corporations and governments are rising to this challenge. The Dutch, for instance, charge a tax on new purchases which pays for, among other things, research on finding ways to reuse every piece of the vehicle. Individual companies, such as BMW, take back their vehicles for recycling. One can always try to make a buck or two and sell the used vehicle at a car lot or though the classifieds. On the other hand, try junk car lots - where vehicles are broken down and either sold as parts or scrap steel.

For those of us that must continue driving used cars, there are still many ways to help in this global war against air pollution. At the station, purchase the cleanest burning fuel available. By replacing the filters and plugs regularly, keeping the motor well-tuned and maintaining properly inflated and balanced tires, you can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 15%. And did you know that simply accelerating and decelerating your car's engine smoothly and gradually can reduce emissions by 100 times? If you let the tank get less than 1/4 full, the chances for fuel injection and fuel tank condensation issues are increased. Another small change to aim for is to turn off the engine whenever you can; idling creates more pollution and uses more fuel than necessary. Idling, incidentally, is responsible for nearly 3% of air pollution. If possible, try to use a single vehicle for your family if it is at all possible. We have been able to share a single vehicle for nearly 10 years despite both of us working at different establishments and running home businesses.
Also, try incorporating the shopping lists to reduce the number of trips to town. For us, planning the menu for a week at a time has greatly reduced the number of grocery shopping trips. We keep a piece of paper on the fridge to jot down anything we are low on as it is discovered. It is important to examine the recipes to prevent extra trips. When shopping in town, park somewhere central and walk to the various stores.

Alternatives for the environmentally-concerned pleasure-seeker exist as well. First, please consider hiking, skiing, biking and canoeing or kayaking in the outdoors. In the city there are commuting alternatives such as biking, walking, skateboards and roller blades. These are all self-empowering, health-promoting activities that operate at very little financial expenditure and result in fewer emissions, and a safer, quieter environment. We can all help the air quality issue by planting landscaping and trees wherever we can. Perhaps if cities were able to offer property tax incentives for planting trees, owners, businesses and schools would be more inclined to invest in the plants. Already, clubs and groups are planting erosion controlling shrubs and trees along riverbanks across the nation.

There is no hope that humans will give up the pleasure and convenience machines provide us with - neither should we be asked to do so. But with all the work towards reducing consumption, to increase wild lands, to protect bio-diversity, and to decrease global warming, it is just crazy to allow any of our machines to be manufactured in an environmentally damaging state any longer. Thankfully, manufacturers and governments have been listening to consumers, and as a result, our machines and industries are being improved. However, we must not release the pressure on them to continue improving their policies and help create a healthier planet.

We can all take action right now and become proactive citizens by making a real and measurable difference - if we choose to do so.

Resources:
Environment Technology Centre
Country Connection Magazine
Article - 'Divorce your Car' by Katie Alvord
Article - 'Unclogging America's Arteries: Prescriptions for Healthier Highways'
Planet Save
http://www.redjellyfish.com
http://www.ec.gc.ca/science

~ Dave and Lillian Brummet: Authors of the books Trash Talk - Purple Snowflake Marketing - Towards Understanding; hosts of the Conscious Discussions talk radio show and the Authors Read radio program (http://www.brummet.ca)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Brummet